What is Toma Piemontese? Italy’s Historical Cheesemaking Gem

Dive into the world of Italian gastronomy and discover Toma Piemontese, a true historical gem of Italy’s cheesemaking tradition. Exclusively crafted in the hilly landscapes of the Piedmont region, this cheese is a testament to the rich culinary heritage and age-old techniques passed down through generations. With its unique flavor profile, Toma Piemontese is not just a cheese; it’s a delicious journey through time and across the lush Italian countryside.

Quick Facts About Toma Piemontese

What is Toma Piemontese?

Toma Piemontese is a deeply historical and sumptuous cheese that hails from the scenic Piedmont region of Italy. Often called one of Italy’s oldest known cheeses, its roots can be traced back to the era of the Roman Empire, making it a true culinary relic. The cheese is celebrated for its rich heritage and the traditional methods used in its creation.

This semi-soft, semi-cooked gourmet cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, sourced from cows grazing on elevated pastures throughout the province. These natural surroundings impart a unique flavor profile to the cheese, resulting in a delicious, meaty paste that is sure to delight any cheese connoisseur.

Toma Piemontese boasts an excellent melting quality, making it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes. It also holds a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status, which means that its production, processing, and preparation takes place in a specific geographical area, ensuring its authenticity and quality.

The aroma, flavor, pate, and texture of Toma Piemontese contribute to its distinctive character. Its aroma is typically fresh and delicate, while its flavor is mild yet complex, with hints of grass and wildflowers. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a flavorful wine, Toma Piemontese offers a delightful taste of Italy’s rich cheesemaking tradition.

Toma Piemontese Tasting Notes

1. Texture: Toma Piemontese has a semi-soft texture that’s slightly crumbly yet creamy when it melts on the palate. It’s characterized by small, scattered holes throughout the paste.
2. Color: The cheese presents a pale yellow color that can vary from light to medium intensity depending on the aging process.
3. Aroma: The aroma of Toma Piemontese is fresh and delicate, with subtle hints of milk, hay, and the mountain pastures where the cows graze.
4. Flavor: Its flavor is gentle yet complex, offering a unique balance of sweet and savory notes. The taste can be described as mild with hints of grass, wildflowers, and a slight tanginess.
5. Aftertaste: The aftertaste of Toma Piemontese is pleasantly long-lasting, leaving a slightly sweet and nutty flavor on the palate.
6. Rind: Toma Piemontese features a natural rind that is typically thin, elastic, and smooth with a greyish-brown color.
7. Aging: The cheese is aged for at least 60 days for the ‘dolce’ (sweet) version and a minimum of 120 days for the ‘stagionato’ (aged) version, resulting in a more intense flavor.

What Pairs Well With Toma Piemontese?

Food that goes well with Toma Piemontese:

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Beverage that goes well with Toma Piemontes:

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Toma Piemontese Nutrition Facts

More Cheeses from Italy:

• Quartirolo Lombardo 
• Strachitunt PDO
• Spressa delle Giudicarie PDO
• Trentingrana PDO